» Publishers, Monetize your RSS feeds with FeedShow: More infos (Show/Hide Ads)
Y’know…maybe he’s not so hard to relate to after all.
Not sure how that theatre stays in business, though. That movie came out three years ago.
I am among the last one hundred people in North America that still buy CDs, so every Tuesday morning I go into my local HMV to check out the new releases. It’s getting kind of sad now. HMV used to have a massive CD section. Now it’s a basically a corner of the store next to the cleaning supplies, and they barely even bother to alphabetize their stock. Every time I actually buy something, I am stared at with bemused curiosity by the staff. “You know there is something called iTunes, don’t you?”, I can see them thinking. Yes, I fucking know. But if I am going to pay the same amount on iTunes, I might as well get an actual, tangible object so I can still have my music collection when my computer inevitably melts down. Also, CDs will be valuable like currency in the coming zombie apocalypse. CDs and anal virginity. And any sort of anti-zombie spray you may have developed. Mark my words.
Anyway, walking into HMV, I was immediately struck by a DVD box set I saw on the end of one of the shelves.
Jesus, that’s pretty blunt. I know HMV isn’t doing well, but I didn’t think it was stocking those.
I moved closer.
Oh, CLINT. Never mind.
Madeline: Thanks for helping me drop those clothes off at Goodwill, Tim. I would never have been able to carry them myself.
Tim: Hey, that’s what sons-in-law are for.
Madeline: Oh, you’re such a good boy. We should pick up lunch to bring back to the house, you two must be hungry.
Tim: I could eat. Subway?
Madeline: Oh, I don’t know these new shops. Whatever you and Kate like.
(Pull into Subway; enter store)
Sandwich Artist: Can I take your order?
Tim: Hi, can we get…
Madeline: Now, now, let me get this.
Tim: Okay, thanks mom. But should I order at least?
Madeline: Please. You’ve done enough today already.
Tim: You sure? I come here all the time.
Madeline: (shooing Tim away) Sit, sit, I’ve got this.
Tim: (puts up hands in mock surrender) Alright, you win. (sits down at table, starts flipping through paper)
Sandwich Artist: What would you like, ma’am?
Madeline: Hmm. What do people usually get here? Sandwiches?
Tim: (arches eyebrow)
Sandwich Artist: Yes ma’am.
Madeline: Okay. And do they come in different sizes?
Sandwich Artist: You can get a six inch sub or a twelve inch sub.
(A large truck driver enters store and gets in line)
Madeline: Tim? Do you want a six inch sandwich or a twelve inch sandwich?
Tim: Twelve, please.
Madeline: And Kate?
Tim: She’ll probably only want a six.
Madeline: Okay, I’ll have one twelve inch sandwich, one six inch sandwich, and…I guess I should get a six inch sandwich, too.
Sandwich Artist: Okay. What kind of bread?
Madeline: What kinds do you have?
Tim: Oh Jesus.
Sandwich Artist: We’ve got them listed right there in front of you.
Madeline: (stares intently at bread display) Hmm.
(A teenage couple enters store and gets in line)
Madeline: Tim, what kind of bread do you want?
Tim: Wheat, please. Same for Kate.
Madeline: (smiles at Sandwich Artist) Three wheats, dear.
Sandwich Artist: You got it. Do you want those toasted?
Madeline: Toasted? You can do that?
Sandwich Artist: We certainly can.
Madeline: Tim, do you…
Tim: No! Kate neither!
Madeline: I think we’ll…
Sandwich Artist: (smiling patiently) I heard him. Now, what kind of subs would you like?
Madeline: There’s more than one?
Truck driver: (looks at watch)
Tim: (hops up from seat) Listen, mom, why don’t you let me order? You can still pay…
Madeline: No, no, I insist. Besides, I’m enjoying this. I’m learning.
Tim: Okay, just get Kate and I BLTs with mayo then.
Madeline: (to Sandwich Artist) Do you have those?
Sandwich Artist: We do. And what can I get for you?
Madeline: (smiles blankly)
Sandwich Artist: Our menu is right up here.
Madeline: Oh my. So many choices. What would you recommend?
(A dad walks in with four kids dressed in soccer uniforms; they get in line)
Sandwich Artist: How about a meatball sub?
Madeline: Oh, heavens no. All that salt? What do you have that doesn’t have much salt in it?
Sandwich Artist: Not much. Veggie, probably.
Madeline: I’ll have one of those.
Truck driver: (begins tapping feet impatiently)
Sandwich Artist: Which vegetables?
Tim: (under breath) Just say ‘all’, just say ‘all’…
Madeline: (points at counter) These are them here?
Sandwich Artist: Yes ma’am.
Madeline: Oh jeez, here we go. Lettuce?
Sandwich Artist: Okay.
Madeline: Tomatoes?
Sandwich Artist: Mm-hmm.
Madeline: Carrots?
Sandwich Artist: Nope.
Madeline: Onions then?
Sandwich Artist: You got it.
Madeline: Few more onions, please.
Sandwich Artist: (adds more)
Madeline: Just a touch more.
Sandwich Artist: (adds a touch more)
Madeline: Perfect.
Sandwich Artist: Anything else for you?
Truck driver: You got anyone else working back there, bud?
Madeline: (turns to truck driver sweetly) Oh, I’m sorry dear. Would you like to go first?
Truck driver: (suddenly sheepish) N-no, ma’am. You go ahead.
Madeline: Are you sure? I’m in no hurry.
Truck driver: (gestures to counter) That’s alright. I insist.
Sandwich Artist: Anything else?
Madeline: Let’s see. Green peppers. Olives. And…a few pickles.
Sandwich Artist: That it?
Madeline: I guess so.
Sandwich Artist: Any dressi…
Tim: SHE’LL HAVE ITALIAN!
Sandwich Artist: Okay.
Madeline: (proudly, to Tim) That wasn’t so hard. (to Sandwich Artist) How much do I owe you, dear?
Sandwich Artist: That’ll be…$16.58.
Madeline: (holding five dollar bill in hand) What’s that now?
Sandwich Artist: $16.58?
Madeline: You have got to be shitting me.
Sandwich Artist: (taken aback) M-ma’am?
Madeline: Twenty bucks? For three submarine sandwiches? Is that some kind of fucking joke?
Tim: Now, mom, calm down…
Sandwich Artist: I…I don’t set the prices, ma’am.
Madeline: I should bloody well hope not! This is an outrage. Here. (slaps $20 bill on counter angrily) I want my change.
Sandwich Artist: Of course. (hands over change) Here you are. I’m sorry if we’ve upset you.
Madeline: You can shove your sorrys up your ass, hairnet.
Tim: Whadda you say we get out of here, huh? (starts leading Madeline out of store)
Madeline: (passing by soccer dad) Your children are ugly.
(Leave store, walk towards car)
Madeline: Can you believe the nerve of those dicklickers? Charging prices like that?
Tim: That’s actually pretty standard these days, mom.
Madeline: Oh, what do you know? I can make these same things for less than two dollars at home. That place will be out of business in a week.
Tim: (chuckles) Well, they have something like 30,000 franchises, mom, so I doubt that…
Madeline: (glares menacingly at Tim)
Tim: …that they can keep going at prices like that. You’re right, they’re a flash in the pan.
Madeline: (rubbing temples) You drive. I got the DTs something fierce.
Tim: Sure thing. Should we pick up some coffees, too?
Madeline: (stares at Tim in disgust)
Tim: (confused, lowers head)
Madeline: These sandwiches smell like shit.
Remember Kanellos, the Greek protest dog? That rabble-rousing mutt who seemed to be present at every social demonstration that took place in Athens over the past 2+ years? Well, I happened to be in Athens during a recent honeymoon, and had a fantastic little encounter with a canine who looked suspiciously like him. Allow me to share the tale.
We were just coming back from visiting the Acropolis, on our way to the National Gardens, when we found ourselves standing at a crosswalk in front of a busy, six-lane roadway. From somewhere down the street to our right, we heard the angry barking of a dog. We started to turn towards the direction of the sound, but our attention was immediately redirected to a responding bark emanating just a few feet behind us. There was something unusual about this particular bark. It was hoarse. Lived-in. Wise.
It belonged to a large, golden retriever-and-something mix, who had unbeknownst to us been sleeping in the shadow of the building at our backs. The first dog’s barking had roused him from his slumber, which he took, it seemed, as his cue it was time to go to work.
And go to work he did. He immediately trotted up beside the ten or so people standing at the crosswalk. The U.S. and Canadian tourists among us were easy to identify, as we were the ones who frantically started ordering him not to cross. He ignored us, in the same way a hippo ignores the incessant buzzing of the horseflies that travel on his back. In the dog’s mind, we weren’t protecting him from walking into traffic; he was seeing us safely to the other side.
Sure enough, the signal changed to walk, and our shaggy escort flanked us on our left, pacing us the entire fifty feet or so until we were completely across. Needless to say, we were impressed. But our awe quickly turned to panic when Kellanos mystery dog turned and walked right back onto the street, the light now having changed with traffic moving straight towards him. Was this proud beast about to meet the most ignoble of ends, right before our horrified eyes?
Nope. Turns out he just wanted to properly position himself for a leaping, threatening chomp. At a city bus. He missed the thing by maybe a foot as it sped by. Maybe he wanted it to slow down?
We collectively exhaled as The Littlest Homer marched safely back onto the sidewalk and started heading up the street. We were trailing about ten feet behind him when he sprung into action again. This time his target was three South Asian gentlemen in their late twenties, two of whom were having great fun scaling a street-side tree. They were venturing out onto a very large branch that hung over the street about ten feet off the ground, and the dog didn’t like it. “Be careful,” he conveyed, by way of a series of very aggressive barks at the lone member of the party standing on the ground. The guy was (rightfully) terrified as the dog inched towards him, and you could practically see him trying to decide whether he should flee up the tree for safety. If the look on his face was any indication, he decided to shit his pants instead. Message delivered, the dog continued on his way up the sidewalk, but not before quickly darting on the street again to take a harmless chomp at a passing motorcyclist (the motorcyclist calmly kicked at the dog in stride – apparently the two had a history). Eventually, he quit the sidewalk, veering off out of sight into some nearby bushes…
…whereupon he emerged ten seconds later, carrying a man’s wallet in his mouth.
I’m still not sure how he knew the wallet was in there – did he put it there himself, or see it get tossed? Or did he just have some sort of preternatural sense for when there was some wrong in a given area that needed to be righted? Either way, he started dragging the open wallet up the street, the cheap plastic card holders (presumably full of membership cards to various bath houses) flapping in the wind. At one point a guy bent down to try and take it from him. The dog jerked his head away violently, and you got the feeling if his mouth wasn’t full he would have taken a hand off for his troubles. Instead, he dragged that wallet all the way to the entrance of the Gardens where, I kid you not, he dropped it in front of the tourist information booth. A man who had seen the dog coming picked up the wallet and turned it in. Fido was three for three.
All of the above happened in the span of five minutes. The next we saw, an impressed tourist was giving the dog pieces of his granola bar. Ever the gregarious leader, he started barking to signal his pals that he had found a soft touch, and a few of them came a-runnin’. We continued into the Gardens, did our little tour, and exited half an hour later to find the dog sleeping peacefully under a nearby bench, having punched out after a shift honourably worked.
Now look – I know the odds that this amazing dog was Kenallos are unlikely. Impossible even. With so many untagged street dogs roaming the streets of Greece, you’re bound to run into dozens of them who are street-smart and who see their neighbourhoods as turf they must police. But I like to think that, with no austerity protests going on in Athens (that day – they’re back at it again), this was Kenallos. He was just biding his time, doing menial tasks to try and keep his skills sharp, like when Wolfgang Puck goes on a cruise and starts getting creative at the buffet salad bar.
We befriended another couple on our honeymoon who managed to take a picture of the dog, and they’ve offered to send it to us. But I’m not so sure I want to see it. Not because I’m not curious and don’t want to compare. But because I have a feeling that Kenallos would somehow know I needed proof it was him. And he would be disappointed in me. Because I didn’t just believe.
Long may you run, protest dog. Just make sure to look both ways.
Contrary to my hyper-masculine public image, I’m actually not that butch. The overt sexism, the butch bravado — it’s all a cover-up for the fact that my favourite TV network is TLC. (It’s also my favourite band — I MISS YOU, LEFT EYE!)*.
The TLC show line-up is absolutely fantastic – a freak show every night. And it’s TLC – The Learning Channel. I’m learning while watching it. It’s educational, so it has to be good for me. Mrs. Butter Chicken and I just had a little baby chicken (okay, now I’m pushing it) so we stay home a lot while our baby screams in our faces. Parenting – it’s magic! Thus, TV (and TLC) ALL THE TIME. My favourites:
- “My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding”
This show is a fantastic paradox. It makes a passing attempt at explaining the culture and plight of the gypsy (or “traveller”) in England, when all the while you know it just champing at the bit to revel in the awesomely, mumbly white trash spectacle that is the gypsy wedding. Simpletons! Huge dresses! Whore Dancing! It’s solid gold programming!
I found it pretty confusing that the gypsies actually had passable looking teeth. Is dentistry one of the basic gypsy skills, like palmistry, curses and trailer repair?
Upon viewing this show on Sunday, I have come to the realization that Brad Pitt should have won an Oscar for his performance in “Snatch”. He fucking nailed it.
- “Cake Boss”
I hope that fucking idiot falls in his oven. I only watch this show to confirm how much I pray for his death.
- “Say Yes To The Dress – Big Bliss”
You take the premise of an emotionally stunted and immature publicity whore shopping for a wedding dress, add the gayest human being on earth as the head of the dress store and mix with passive-aggressive siblings, tyrannical and manipulative mothers, and “OMIGOD, I’M ON TV, NOW’S MY CHANCE, SASHAY, CHANTER” gay friends, you’ve got yourself a hit. You combine this with “Big Bliss”, namely comically obese brides trying to wedge their fat asses into wedding dresses, and the entertainment factor is to the moon. My favourite part: when they zip up one of the bride’s dresses and she has back cleavage. Not just a little bit of skin — the fat around her shoulder blades actually forms two breasts. Beautiful.
- “Extreme Couponing”
Or as I refer to it, “Hoarders – the Early Years”. Yes, it’s exciting to see someone buy $400 worth of groceries for fifty cents due to their couponing prowess. Fine. Well done. But the show is fantastic because the people involved have absolutely no self-awareness. Why in god’s name would you need 112 bags of croutons? NO ONE EATS THAT MANY CROUTONS! It’s literally collecting for the sake of collecting without any connection to actual need. If they ever show this program in the Third World, US embassies are going to be burned to the ground before the first commercial break. “We’re so fucking prosperous that I have $20,000 worth of food in my basement. It’ll probably all go bad by the time I actually need it, but it was free so what the fuck?”
The whole thing reminds me of when Homer had the sugar mountain in his yard.
“Must…protect…sugar. Thieves everywhere. The strong must protect the sweet…the sweet…”
Also, would it hurt these folks to get a few fresh vegetables or fruits? If they have to pay more than a penny, the answer is yes, yes it would.
- “Sister Wives”
Still waiting for the episode where the husband awkwardly tries to coax them all into a fivesome.
- “19 Kids and Counting”
I am pretty sure the dad is a middle-aged version of Kenneth the NBC Page.
Also, 19 kids sounds like a fairly Kenneth thing to do. Somebody should really investigate.
Also, it’s obligatory: her vagina must be like a fucking dumbwaiter now.
- “LA Ink”
You know when you see people with cool hair and cool clothes and cool tattoos and you think, “wow, I wish I was a lot cooler. I bet their lives are awesome.” Well, here is LA Ink to actively disprove that theory. You take a quick peak behind the wizard’s curtain and it’s pretty clear that these cool cats may simply be high-functioning Down’s Syndrome sufferers with a fortunate Betty Page aesthetic.
- “Kate Plus 8″
Stop worrying. These kids are going to turn out fine. Cameras in their faces all their life. Harpy showbiz mom. Absentee father. It’s basically a sociological experiment on how to make a Lohan.
- “Toddlers and Tiaras”
Don’t judge me. How is my child supposed to win any pageants if I don’t start my research now?
I’d write more but “The Little Couple” is on.
Humanize them all you want, TLC — they still creep the shit out of me.
* This statement can be properly attributed to Manny Malhotra.
You Can’t Consent to Sex While Unconscious, Says Supreme Court
Well, there go my weekend plans.
Add this to the Supreme Court of Canada’s previous ruling that it is not possible to have sex in bucket seats, and you’ve basically invalidated the mating ritual of a large swath of the American midwest.
Oh well, I guess there’s always this.
I was travelling in the States for a few days last week. On a trip to a convenience store (where I suspiciously eyed the clerk and told him that Bin Laden was only the first. U-S-A! U-S-A! THESE COLOURS DON’T RUN!) I bought myself a quick snack. I decided to throw caution to the wind (or gasoline to the mosque, whatever expession you prefer) and bought myself a candy bar that’s not available in Canada. The bar?
OMIGOD, IT’S WONDERFUL!!!!!
Once again I feel absolutely ripped off being born Canadian. Where the fuck was this candy bar all my life? We’re stuck with fucking Big Turk bars while our Southern neighbours feast on these awesome things. Total and utter bullshit. And what in God’s name is up with the Big Turk bar?
Turkish Delight is awful. I don’t like to generalize (okay, I LOVE to generalize) but Middle Eastern desserts are abysmal. Putting aside baklava, the entire region is devoid of good, sweet things to eat. Little known fact: the Intifadah was caused by jealously over a Krispy Kreme franchise opening in Israel.
Not only is Big Turk terrible, but did someone actually think that was a good name for a candy bar?
Mom: Son, what’s all over your face?
Son: I had a Big Turk in my mouth!
/swarthy, obese neighbour named Kamal goes to jail for sexual assault.
It’s a problem waiting to happen.
Anyway, PayDay bars are fantastic, all sweet and salty, like cunnilingus on a diabetic! Sure, they look like this:
Namely, they vaguely look like a turd after someone ate dinner at the ballpark. However, it could be worse. They could be a Mr. Big bar.
Wow. That’s like someone snacking on a piece of shit in the middle of a Gowan video. “When you’re this big, they call you homoerotic.”
Me? I’ll just stick to the PayDay bar. There are going to be a lot of awkward trips to Buffalo Costcos in the near future.
It’s Monday. It’s May. The weather sucks where I am. There is simply no better time to reflect upon our collective historical achievements… So please join me once again as we take a stroll through the rectums annals of history, and re-live the May 16ths of yesteryear:
Donald Trump: Remind me again why I’m doing this gig.
Campaign Manager: Because, sir, recent polls show that Republican voters’ early, um, curiosity with your campaign has all but faded. We need to start showing them a softer, kinder side to Donald Trump immediately, or we’re over before we’ve begun.
Trump: See, that’s what’s wrong with this country. I’m a billionaire. I’m a born leader. I get…things…done. People should be lining up around the corner to support me. But they’d rather back some no-name loser like, who, Pawlenty? Why? Because he kisses a bunch of babies? Makes me sick.
Manager: Sir?
Trump: What?
Manager: You need this. Badly.
Trump: Alright, alright. Let’s get it over with.
(Trump walks through the door and into a class of second-graders)
Teacher: Oh, goodie. Children, I want you all to say hello to Mr. Trump.
Kids: HELLO, MISTER TRUMP!
Teacher: Mr. Trump is running for President of the United States!
Kids: OOOOOOOH!
Trump: Actually, I’m undeclared. Facts are important in your business, lady, get it straight. But time is money, so let’s get started. Who has a question?
Teacher: Um, well, Mr. Trump – your manager and I discussed that you might take the opportunity to read to the children.
Trump: Great. Let’s do, um, Think Like a Billionaire. Where’s your copy?
Teacher: We…don’t have that one.
Trump: How about The Art of the Comeback?
Teacher: (shakes head)
Trump: (rummaging through tiny library in corner) You don’t even have a copy of The Art of the Deal in here!
Teacher: No. But we do have a wonderful selection of age-appropriate literature that would be…
Trump: Forget it. I’m not here to move units for some pederast who writes about talking animals exploring their feelings. I’ll take five questions. You there, in the purple shirt. What do you want to ask me?
Petey: Do you know any of The Wiggles?
Trump: I do. I’ve met them, they’re fabulous, and I consider them dear, dear friends. But let me tell you something about The Wiggles. At some point or another, you have to stop dodging the question or else it looks like you’ve got something to hide. So I’m officially calling on them today to tell us: are they rolling with the Tinky Winkys and Dumbledores of this world, or are they on our side? No shame either way, but America needs to know. Next question – blondie.
Jillian: Um…what’s that on your head?
Kids: (laugh excitedly)
Trump: We’ve still got double-digit employment in a bunch of states. We’re being humiliated by the Chinese on a daily basis. You’ve got a chance to ask me a real question, and you’re going to go with some hackneyed line about my hair? Let me ask you something, what’s your father’s name?
Jillian: Fwank.
Trump: Really? With material that weak, I could have sworn it was Seth Meyers. Step up your game, kid.
Jillian: (bottom lip starts quivering)
Trump: Oh, for Pete’s sake…that was a joke! Here – go buy a thicker skin. (hands Jillian a $100 bill)
Jillian: Wow! A hundwed bucks!
Teacher: Oh my.
Manager: (shakes head)
Trump: Next question. You, with your shirt on backwards.
Zachary: My sister cut her own hair, and now my mom won’t stop crying.
Trump: I don’t know what you’re asking me.
Zachary: Will you help me build a house for my turtle?
Trump: Don’t like this kid. Creeps me out. How’d he get past the Secret Service?
Manager: We don’t have any of those.
Trump: What? How come?
Manager: Well, we put in a request, but they determined that the, uh, risk of an attempt on your person was not sufficiently imminent to warrant deployment of their resources.
Trump: In English.
Manager: They don’t think anyone cares enough about you to take a shot at you.
Trump: What? Those nobodies! Take a note – I’m buying the Secret Service and shutting it down.
Manager: I don’t think you can do that.
Trump: Last question!
Teacher: Well, Mr. Trump, the children have been learning about the Native Americans this week. Perhaps you can speak to them about Native culture and values?
Trump: Sure thing, lady. I’ve got a great relationship with the Wahoos. And I’ll tell you what the problem with them is – HIGH GAS PRICES! At four bucks a gallon, those kids on the reservations have turned to huffing paint, or window cleaner, or what have you. When I’m President, I’m going to finish the job in Libya, and take the oil for ourselves. Then the Indians can go back to huffing gasoline, the way their ancestors did.
Teacher: (drops coffee mug)
Manager: (slaps forehead)
Trump: So, kids, how’s this for a deal – you each go home and get your parents to promise to vote for me, and I’ll put a waterslide out there in the playground. What do you say?
Kids: YAAAAAAYYYY!
Manager: Sir! You cannot make those kinds of promises!
Trump: Why not?
Manager: Well, basic ethics aside, it puts you offside at least a half-dozen campaign rules.
Trump: Bah. You’re always bringing up those rules. That’s loser talk. Are you a loser, Matt?
Manager: Ask me that again after the primary.
Trump: Alright, kids. I’m a very busy man, so I have to go. But remember – no votey, no slidey.
Teacher: Um, Mr. Trump, aren’t you forgetting something?
Trump: Huh? Oh, right. (sigh) Alright, line-up babies, I’m supposed to give you kisses now.
Kids: EWWWWWWW!
Teacher: Mr. Trump! These children are not babies! And we have very strict policies about physical contact.
Trump: Wait, what do you mean, ‘ew’? You kids think you’re such prizes?
Manager: Sir, these children are far too old to kiss.
Jillian: You have cooties!
Kids: (laugh excitedly)
Trump: Oh, I have cooties? Why don’t you try looking in the mirror, sweetheart? I ended Rosie O’Donnell’s career, don’t think I’m scared of you. What’s your father’s name?
Jillian: FWANK, I SAID!
Manager: Sir, you need to leave here. Immediately.
Trump: Well, here’s what I want you to do. Go home and tell Frank that I don’t want his vote, and that his smart-mouth daughter just cost her school a waterslide. Deal’s off.
Kids: (immediately start bawling)
Trump: Not so nice, is it, children? Having your feelings hurt?
Teacher: (storming out of room) I’m getting the principal.
Trump: You kids know I’m friends with Meatloaf?
Manager: (typing on Blackberry) I wonder if Rick Santorum needs a manager?
I think we can all agree that the world is lacking in tone-deaf Swedish “rappers” with speech impediments who know just enough English to be able to parrot early 1990s gangsta rappers and who strut around like they’re an extra in New Jack City. Thankfully, there’s Mark In Da Park. You know, this guy:
Do you know who else apparently likes Swedish rappers with speech impediments? The Toronto Maple Leafs… I can only assume this is the case, because they were the ones who decided to draft him. Yes, that’s right – the Leafs picked up Mark In Da Park (amazingly before any of the other NHL franchises got to him…).
Now I am not one to question the sage wisdom of the Leafs organization – after all, they have successfully missed the playoffs for 6 straight seasons while maintaining the largest revenues and profit margins in the NHL. This is no easy task. That said, I would love to have been a fly on the wall in the scouting meeting that gave rise to this latest acquisition:
European Scout: Did you guys happen to catch Swedish Idol last night?
Trained Monkeys Who Apparently Make Trade Decisions for the Leafs: Absolutely! We never miss an episode, except when it conflicts with Norwegian CSI. Why?
Scout: I really liked that Mark In Da Park guy. He seemed nice.
Monkeys: Oh, the Ugandan-Russian rapper with the speech impediment who thinks he’s in Compton circa. 1991? Yeah, he was great.
Scout: We should pick him up before any of the other teams do.
Monkeys: Does he play hockey?
Scout: I don’t actually know… I am not overly familiar with the European hockey system. After all, I am the guy who was responsible for signing Jonas Gustavsson…
[laughter]
Monkeys: Yeah, the “Monster” – that really played out well. Anyway, let’s not do anything crazy. What do you say we sign Mr. In Da Park to an entry level contract, a few endorsement deals, and we’ll give him the “C” in a couple of years once the team roster is reduced to nothing but retarded circus clowns and mimes. Agreed?
L’il Marc: C’mon, boy.
Old Feller: Where we goin’?
L’il Marc: Sumpin’ I need to show you. Round back.
Old Feller: Oh, alright. (yawns, hops down off stool) But afterwards, kin we go lie down by the river?
L’il Marc: Fer as long as you like, ol’ buddy. (sniffs, cocks shotgun) Fer as long as you’d like.
For the nth time in the last decade, Canadians are going to the polls to decide which party will try to form an easily-defeated minority government. We have basically become Italy with cod fish and hockey skates. Okay, we’re a lot different than Italy. When our Prime Minister gets involved in a sex scandal, it’s more likely going to involve a furtive handjob in a rec centre’s Zamboni room than a multi-hooker fuck party. After the handjob is done, both parties will apologize.
Anyway, the following parties are looking to lead our fair nation:
- The Progressive Conservatives
- The Regressive Conservatives
- The Expressive Conservatives
- The Conservative Progressives
- Progressive Conservative Overdrive (PCO)
- The KLF
- The Liberals
- The Liberians
- Ignatieff! The Musical
- The New Democratic Party
- The Nude Democratic Party
- The National Socialists
- The International Socialists
- The Homebody Socialists
- Steppenwolf
- The Green Party
- The Liberal Progressive Democrats
- The Rough Riders
- The Roughriders
- The Bloc Roughriders
- The Bloc Rough Riders
- Nickelbloc
- The Winnipeg Jets
- Anne of Green Party
- The Bloc Quebecois
- Le Bloq Sportif
- The Royal Canadian Mounted Politicians
It’s going to come down to the wire this year. Who is going to win the privilege of sitting on the legendary Golden Ice Throne in the House of Commons? Who will wear the sacred Beaver Tail as he leads Parliament in the annual sing-alongs of “Snow Bird” and “Summer of ’69″? Who will get first dibs on our national Ski-Doo? The drama is palpable, folks.
Anyway, in a riding close to mine, I noticed a sign for the local Progressive Conservative candidate.
This got me very excited. Taylor Train? Who would have thought that there would be a 1980s porn star looking to be a Member of Parliament? Why can’t I think of a good, innuendo-laden joke using the term “Member of Parliament”? Taylor Train. Was the name Gina Gangbang taken? I imagine her looking like this:
Unfortunately, I ended up looking on Taylor Train’s website (and no, it wasn’t www.cougarsplitter.com). It was a disappointment. He looks like this.
I only masturbated once or twice before getting disgusted with myself. In other words, vote KLF!
They are both justified AND ancient. I think that platform speaks for itself.
April 2008. Shawn Corey Carter and Beyoncé Giselle Knowles are married in a private ceremony. The details of that ceremony have remained largely hidden…until now. Below is how it went down.
(A large crowd is gathered in St. Cyril’s Church. They stand at rapt attention as the strings start to play, and Beyoncé’s father walks her down the aisle)
Everyone: Gasp!
(Amidst cries of “she’s gorgeous” and moistening eyes, Beyoncé slowly and gracefully makes her way to the altar, finally stopping at the side of her bridesmaids. Father O’Connor, the presiding priest, greets her warmly)
Photographer: (to assistant) Wait, how come she walked down the aisle firs…
(Suddenly, a pipe organ blares the opening notes to ‘Here Comes the Bride’)
Voice: Here…
…comes…
…the…
(A slow beat hits; Jay-Z bursts into the church)
Jay: …groom-to-be, the one y’all came to see/
Rock a tux, wear it hot/
Spit some vows, tie the knot…
Photographer: (whispering) You have got to be kidding me.
Jay: Watch me walk the aisle, makin’ them choir ladies smile/
See Gloria Carter beam with pride/
As her boy takes his bride…
(The maid of honour looks at Beyoncé with concern; Beyoncé rolls her eyes)
Jay: I’d like first to thank y’all for being here today/
For the wedding of the century, no disrespect to Will and Kate/
But your shit’s the Royal Wedding in name alone/
HBO can film us as I whip you in a Game of Thrones/
But today ain’t about whose wedding is better/
And which groom with all his hair makes his lady’s bridesmaids wetter…
(Crowd begins to murmur in disapproval; Jay’s mom lowers and shakes her head)
…Speaking of which, I’d be remiss not to mention/
These four ladies, hot as Hades, making me question my intentions/
At risk of offending her man, my bride and Father O’Connor/
There’s just something ’bout this maid that makes me want to get honor/
And inner/And them dresses, I could only like ‘em more/
If they was lying in a bundle on my jacuzzi room floor/
Hoooooo!
Bridesmaid: Pig.
Father O’Connor: (makes sign of the cross)
Beyoncé: (closes eyes and takes deep, patient breath)
Jay: But enough about the ladies, let me turn to my fellas/
Looking so fresh and clean they almost makin’ Jay jealous/
I say ‘almost’ because, let’s be realistic/
I’m like a bacon-wrapped filet next to your meal of old fish sticks
Groomsman: C’mon, man…
Jay: Now I don’t meant to boast, but you know if I don’t brag/
You clowns’ll act like I forgot how you fucked up my stag/
Bad enough you had us paintballing in freezing rain/
But then you stick me on a team with cross-eyed cousin Shane?/
Swear to god, I said “Shane, cover me while I run to that shed”/
Private Walleye-Vision said “okay” and then put three in my head
So now I got a headache and a cold, but that don’t even compare/
To the costume that you twisted freaks picked for me to wear/
You know the damage that you do to the Jay-Z branding/
When you walk me in the club dressed as Little Orphan Annie?/
People pulling at my wig, ladies lifting up my skirt/
Size seven ladies shoes making my size thirteens hurt/
And while I’m standing at the bar, already feeling self-conscious/
That wise-ass little DJ goes right ahead and launches/
Into “Hard Knock Life”, and everybody starts laughin’/
Swear I’m going to buy that club and bring a whole new staff in/
Then when it finally comes time to take it to the strippers/
You dumbshits choose a club goes by the name of Zippers?…
Best Man: (nervous) You gonna do this now, man?
Jay: …In regards to matters homo, what Jay isn’t is phobic/
But what I don’t want to see when a stripper disrobes? Dick/
Can’t believe what I’m sayin’ even needs to be said/
But if you ain’t sure the gender of the benders, then please, phone ahead…
Best Man: (head in hand)
Crowd: (muttering loudly)
Old Aunt In The Back: (faints)
Jay: …Alright, enough with you guys, I’m getting off topic/
We’re here to shoot the next scene in the Jay-Z biopic/
The biggest mack in the game settles down to take a wife/
And she’s the hottest thing any y’all seen in your life…
Beyoncé: (glares at Jay-Z)
Jay: B, you’re the reason that I wake up every morning/
And not just because you kick me to stop me from snoring/
You were like a bolt to my heart that struck without warning/
You mean more to me than a kidney means to Alonzo Mourning
Beyoncé: (smiles wearily)
Bridesmaids: Awwww…
Jay: And yeah, I’ll still talk about banging others in my lyrics/
But I’m just a dog in my words, I’m true in body and spirit/
And it’s gonna be that way til the end of our days/
How does Jay love thee? Lemme count the ways/
Love that wedding dress and the way that you wear it/
Love that mean-a Serena ass and the way that you bear it/
Love the billion in our bank, and how we gonna share it/
Shit, even our wedding cake is 24 Carrot…
Beyoncé: (smiles warmly)
Jay: …Love you more than Kirstie Alley loves them apple fritters/
Love you more than black folks love Trending Topics on Twitter/
You’re the only girl on earth that can still give me the jitters/
So glad you’re my Best in Show bitch and you’ll be giving me my litter
Beyoncé: (pauses; shrugs)
Groomsmen: (slowly start moving to beat)
Father O’Connor: (grabs rosary)
Jay: Speaking of which, let’s talk about tonight/
Now that our single ways have left, our congress is my right/
And excuse me for the crude innuendo/
But I plan to stick my cartridge into your Nintendo/
And you can blow on it if it has trouble getting goin’/
Make that red light stop flashin’, and get it constant glowin’…
Congregation: (starts bobbing heads)
Bridesmaids: (start bumping hips with groomsmen)
Old Uncle In The Back: (faints)
Jay: …And that’s when things are really gonna get wild/
And we won’t stop until you drop our little Destiny’s Child/
Matter of fact, let’s not wait any longer/
Let’s bounce like this is Edmonton, and we is Chris Pronger/
Jump in my ride, by my side, that’s how forever it will be/
Now that you’ve dropped the ‘Knowles’, and become Beyoncé-Z…
Congregation: (jumping up) HOOOOOOOOOOO!
Jay: I do! She do! And we out! Peace!
(Jay hurriedly leads Beyoncé out of the church; she tosses her bouquet to the congregation on the way out before they jump in his car and squeal away)
Congregation: (smiling, dancing in the aisles)
Father O’Connor: (leans over to maid of honour) That doesn’t actually count as getting married, you know.
Maid of Honour: I’m more confused about how he knows about Will and Kate when it’s only 2008.
***
More:
1. You reschedule a crucial election debate so that it doesn’t coincide with the Montreal Canadiens’ first round playoff game against Boston; and
2. When the debate does go forward, you apparently borrow the stage set-up from a local cable access show:
That is all.
You know those days when you’re in the backyard scavenging for copper, and the next thing you know you have severed your entire country’s connection to the internet (as well as the internet connection of neighbouring nations) and are facing three years in prison? Yes, that old chestnut. Well, you’re not alone – Aiyastan Shakaryan of Georgia (the Baltic nation, not the home of the Masters) knows your pain.
Georgia and Armenia, a word if you please: Is your entire internet connection really dependent upon a single cable? Really? You didn’t think that perhaps some sort of back-up system might be a good idea? You thought a satellite feed would be too “flashy”? And how deep did you bury the cable? If a 75 year-old copper hound was able to find it and sever it, I am guessing that it’s not exactly near the earth’s core. And are you just stealing your connection from Russia? It sounds like you sent 3 college kids over the border in the middle of the night, who spliced some cable into the back of the Kremlin and picked up some black-market Scorpions CDs before heading home. I know that infrastructure investment is never easy to come by, but I am thinking that your Ministry of Technology might want to re-consider its strategy. Just a thought…
Adding meaning to the headlines that shape your world
Prince William Urged to get a Pre-Nup or Alternatively, a Guillotine
Or I supposed there is always the time-honoured “hire a drunk limousine driver to dodge the papparazzi” method.
Crown Wants 14-Year Sentence for Kish for Rhyme-Related Customs Violations
For those of you not “in the know” about one-hit-wonder Canadian rap stars from the early 1990s, Kish rocketed to the top of the charts with “I Rhyme the World in 80 Days.” (Just a teaser: “Last stop, the motherland. Yo, Kish: You went to Africa? Nah. Japan”). Now you know.
Teacher Suspended for Dissing Students on Facebook Defriends School Board Trustees
Reason #143 why I would seriously consider home-schooling my kids if I could actually stand teaching my kids anything.
What to Ask Your Surgeon Before Going Under the Knife: How Does a Turkish Hobo Even Get Board-Certified?
By the way: Who decided that it is okay for a husband to watch a c-section delivery? There are certain things that canot be unseen. And one of those things is your wife covered with blood, with a surgeon’s arm in her stomach all the way up to the elbow.
Will Smith, Son Join Shyamalan Film, Immediately Begin Work on Most Successful Horrible Movie Ever
Rumour is that Shyamalan has been working on a plot twist involving D.J. Jazzy Jeff for months.
Beautiful People Happier, More Successful than Plain-Looking Counterparts; Also: You’re Fat
I wonder: How is anyone’s life better for knowing this tidbit of information? If you’re good-looking. it’s a re-affirmation that you probably are getting by on your looks instead of talent, and if you’re ugly, it’s your cue to put that pen down and get used to a life on the couch. And if you’re Gilbert Gottfried, it’s just confusing.
Russian Spaceship Carries Crew, Counterfeit Prada Purses to Space Station
Maybe it’s just the stereotypes talking, but when I hear the words “Russian Spaceship”, I always imagine two guys fumbling with booster cables.
Cigarette-Smoking Trader Dies in 5-Story Fall; Throat Cancer Suspected
Great. Prepare yourself for another round of “I was at that party where the stockbroker leaned against the window glass and then fell to his death” old wives’ tales.
Kentucky Man Arrested for Throwing Puppy into River Twice is Doggedly Persistent
This oughta shut up Scrappy Doo.
Imagining a world where the death threats to Rebecca Black make sense.
***
(Leslie walks into the bedroom with a tray)
Leslie: Honey? I brought you some breakfast.
(Paul has the covers pulled up over his head; he stares blankly at the wall)
Leslie: We were out of your cereal, so I brought you some toast and coffee.
Paul: Leave me alone.
Leslie: Paul, you can’t lie in bed forever.
Paul: Why not? As long as I’m lying in bed, I can’t fail again.
Leslie: Stop saying that. You didn’t fail.
Paul: (sitting up) I lost $80,000! Our life savings – gone!
Leslie: Honey…(sits down on bed)…you did what you did for our family. And I’m proud of you for trying.
Paul: (pulling at hair) Urgh, it’s just eating me alive! I was so close, only to get tripped up on something so stupid.
Leslie: (puts arm around Paul) It could happen to anyone.
Paul: Yeah – anyone who didn’t get past the second grade.
Leslie: You’re human. Mistakes happen.
Paul: Not like this, Leslie. It’s like I built our dream home, but forgot to put in a door. (rubs temples) This god damn dyslexia.
Leslie: Well, there’s no point lying here wallowing in self-pity. Here’s what we do. We go to the bank, and take out a second mortgage…
Paul: For what? Don’t you see, honey? The 3D craze is at its peak now. I missed our shot! I know for a fact that arrogant asshole Gordon Black’s line comes out next week. Our only advantage was that we launched a week earlier. Now that’s gone.
Leslie: (shaking head) You know, I do not like that man.
Paul: And what does he need the money for, anyway? To buy that spoiled daughter of his another horse? Or to buy another family jet?
Leslie: (nodding)
Paul: Seriously, why do you need a jet for a family of three? They must spend half the flight trying to figure out which seat to take.
Leslie: We need to get your mind off this. (checks laptop) Ooh, here’s an email from your brother. “Must Watch – Funniest Video of the Year”. That sounds good.
Paul: I’m not in the mood, babe.
Leslie: Paul…(stares at him, tears welling up in her eyes)…if you’re telling me that you’ve even lost your ability to laugh, then I’m really going to start getting worried.
Paul: (takes deep breath) Alright. Anything to take my mind off a warehouse full of 3D calendars with the days of the week listed in the wrong order.
Leslie: That’s my man! (presses play on YouTube video) Wait a second. Is that…is that Gordon’s daughter?
Paul: What in the hell…?
***
(Three minutes and forty-eight seconds later)
Leslie: I’ll get the scissors and gluestick.
Paul: I’ll get some old magazines and a stamp.
Leslie: I love you, honey.
Paul: I love you too.
Are you looking for a fresh start? Are you tired of those pesky child pornography charges hounding you at every turn? Do you want to get in touch with your communist ideals? Did you recently suffer a debilitating injury for which you cannot afford medical coverage? Are you tired of not getting adequate curling broadcasts in your local area? Well, why not move to Canada?
Now I know what you’re thinking – “I would love to pack up and move to the frozen tundra that is the Great White North, but I don’t know where to move! After all, there are so many glorious cities to choose from: Moosejaw, Inuvik, Dildo, Hamilton… Your bounty is too great! It’s like a veritable buffet of life experience!”
All true. Fortunately, “MoneySense” has just released its Top Ten Best Places to Live in Canada (2011 edition) to guide you in your search. I think you’ll agree that the list is nothing short of magnificent:
- Ottawa/Gatineau (the nation’s capital)
- Victoria (where everyone is a Queen)
- Burlington (Canada’s answer to Burlington, Vermont)
- Kingston (just like Jamaica, without the sun, warmth or cultural diversity)
- St. Albert (even more glorious than a Prince Albert)
- Fredericton (Canada’s homage to Fred Savage)
- Brandon (Canada’s homage to Michael Brandon, the voice of Thomas the Tank Engine…)
- Edmonton (Canada’s homage to Ed O’Neil)
- Winnipeg (balls cold, 365)
Of course, what Top Ten list would be complete without the inclusion of Celine Dion’s hometown, Repentigny!! I believe the MoneySense summary of the splendours of Repentigny sells itself:
Celine Dion’s hometown just outside of Montreal slipped three spots from last year. On the plus side, low real estate prices and even lower crime rates make Repentigny an attractive place to live. The city ranks 7th in new cars on the road (a measure of prosperity) and has an extensive transit system — a good thing considering it ranks 161st in the ability to walk or bike to work. However, this is balanced out by easy access to health care.
Act now – real estate prices are bound to soar once this review hits the streets… And if you happen to see Celine at the local depanneur, please be sure to boxpunch her for me.
Tony Parker walks up to a cashier in a pharmacy: “I would like to pay for zees by credeet card”.
“I’m sorry, sir,” said the cashier, “but we don’t accept hotel room keys.”
“You’re sorry?” said Parker, slapping his forehead. “I just gave zee prostitute my Visa!”